Dragon's Egg

Staff Pick

Dragon's Egg is a fascinating story by Robert L. Forward about life that has arisen on a neutron star, and explores the hurdles such beings would face. A neutron star is passing near our solar system and scientists take the opportunity to study it. Meanwhile, life is evolving at an incredibly rapid rate on its surface. In a world dominated by unimaginable gravity, intense magnetic fields and literally white hot temperatures, nuclear life arises. I loved this book for its depiction of life evolving in otherworldly conditions while still feeling plausible. Dragon's Egg explores how a species could arise and become a civilization and eventually make contact with aliens (the aliens being the Earth scientists orbiting the star). It's unlike any book I've ever read, and I look forward to getting ahold of the sequel, "Starquake".

On a neutron star, the cheela, a form of intelligent life whose hour equals more than one hundred human years, struggle to progress from the beginnings of agriculture to the discovery of science. Reprint.

New: Mint condition or still sealed (SS). Absolutely perfect in every way. New.

Fine/Like New (EX): No defects, little sign of use, well cared for. Plays perfectly. Close to new. Not necessarily sealed or unused, but close. Could be an unopened promotional or cut item. Sometimes called: mint-minus.

Very Good (VG): Will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.

Good (G): Attractive and well cared for, but no longer fresh. Minor signs of wear, scuffing or scratching, but will play almost perfectly. For vinyl: barely detectable crackles or pops.

Fair (FR): This item is in okay condition. For vinyl: good is not so good and the record may have low level crackles or pops when playing. CD: one or more tracks may skip.

Poor (P): Obviously well-worn and handled. Most vinyl collectors will not buy good or below, but some tracks on CD or vinyl will play.